Noix de Grenoble

Noix de Grenoble is a PDO-protected walnut produced in shell from the Franquette, Parisienne, and Mayette varieties, grown and packaged within a defined area spanning parts of Isère, Drôme, and Savoie. It is marketed as fresh walnuts, with a kernel moisture content of at least 20%, or as dry walnuts, with a kernel moisture content of no more than 12%, each with a minimum fruit diameter of 28 mm.

About this designation

Registered as a PDO under file number PDO-FR-0143, with EU protection dating from 21 June 1996 and eAmbrosia identifier EUGI00000012926, Noix de Grenoble covers walnuts in shell produced exclusively from the Franquette, Parisienne, and Mayette varieties. The geographical area comprises 261 municipalities across three departments: 184 in Isère, 48 in Drôme, and 29 in Savoie, encompassing the agricultural areas of Grésivaudan, Les Chambarans, and La Bièvre. All activities from harvesting through final sizing, sorting, and packaging must be carried out within this area. Fresh walnuts must have a kernel moisture content greater than or equal to 20% and a minimum fruit diameter of 28 mm; dry walnuts must have a kernel moisture content of no more than 12% and the same minimum diameter. Fresh walnuts are dispatched from the area no later than 2 months after the beginning of the harvest; dry walnuts may only be shipped outside the area until 31 December following the harvest. Packaging is compulsory within the geographical area, with containers limited to 10 kg for fresh walnuts and 25 kg for dry walnuts. Each package must bear the name Noix de Grenoble, the EU PDO logo, the year of harvest, and a numbered sticker issued by the Comité interprofessionnel de la Noix de Grenoble, in bright red with a minimum diameter of 3 cm. The taste is characterised by a note of bitterness and the aromas of fresh bread and hazelnut.

Source: The register document this entry was written from · retrieved August 26, 2026

Distinctive facts

• Registered as a PDO on 21 June 1996 under file number PDO-FR-0143, eAmbrosia identifier EUGI00000012926.
• Only three varieties are permitted: Franquette, Parisienne, and Mayette; the specification permits no others.
• The geographical area comprises exactly 261 municipalities across Isère, Drôme, and Savoie.
• Each package must carry a numbered sticker issued by the Comité interprofessionnel de la Noix de Grenoble, bright red, minimum diameter 3 cm.

Tasting notes

Dauphiné walnut from Grenoble area (Isère-Drôme-Savoie), three traditional varieties (Franquette, Mayette, Parisienne). Premium walnut with golden-tan shell and pale-cream sweet kernel, balanced rich nutty flavor with characteristic delicate notes (less bitter than other walnuts) — the iconic French walnut, AOP since 1938 (first French nut AOP).

HoReCa use

Paired with Roquefort and Bleu d'Auvergne on a cheese board; used in salade aux noix with Comté or Beaufort, in walnut bread, walnut tart, and walnut oil production, and chopped on aged cheeses.

Packaging

• in-shell-mesh-bag-1kg
• in-shell-mesh-bag-3kg
• shelled-vacuum-pack-200g
• shelled-vacuum-pack-500g
• shelled-vacuum-pack-1kg
• gift-pack-shelled-300g
• walnut-oil-bottle-250ml

Seasonality